Kim Nilsson, 23, has joined the Eastbourne Lifestyle Eagles and slots into the team in place of the retired Adam Shields.

Nilsson’s British career has seen him ride for Newport and Lakeside.

The signing was made on Sunday evening and he will make his debut at Arlington on Friday when the Eagles take on Poole.

Co-promoter and team manager Trevor Geer outlined the background to Nilsson’s signing.

He said: “Many supporters will wonder why we have signed Kim on a 4.8 average when we have 7.11 points to play with.

“There is a combination of factors but most important of all is that Kim wants to ride for Eastbourne and is determined to prove himself on track.

“We had to contend with other Elite League clubs who wanted his signature on a contract but he wants to ride for Eastbourne above all others.”

Geer also pointed to the fact that the facility granted by the BSPA to cover for the retirement of Adam Shields was coming to an end on Friday this week and would not have been renewed.

“Last week we explained to supporters the efforts we have been making to find a replacement for Adam and the hours of work that have been put in by Bob Dugard, myself, some of our riders and others we trust to make contact with potential new recruits across Europe. Everyone is chasing riders at the moment.

“We have been talking to many riders recently and we will continue discussions with them. We still have points to play with. No team place is secure for the remainder of 2013.”

Geer added: “I hope our fans will give Kim a big welcome on Friday and support him at Arlington in our quest to beat Poole.”